Traffic fines in Croatia: regulations and penalties

Croatia, popular for its coastline and historic cities, has a modern road network and strict traffic regulations to ensure road safety. Foreign drivers must be familiar with local traffic regulations, as violations can result in significant fines. This article provides an overview of fines for speeding, parking, drink-driving, using a mobile phone while driving and other relevant information for driving in Croatia, including tolls and low-emission zones. It also explains the process for paying fines for foreigners in Croatia.

Traffic penalties in Croatia are particularly severe for offences such as speeding and drink-driving. Croatian fines are sent to the offender’s country of origin thanks to information exchange agreements within the European Union.

Knowing these regulations and procedures allows foreign drivers to drive in Croatia more safely and avoid unnecessary penalties. Planning routes, observing speed limits and checking parking areas are key measures for a smooth journey.

Speeding fines

Speeding fines in Croatia are common. Speed cameras are widespread throughout the country, especially on motorways and in urban areas. In addition to fixed speed cameras, the police use high-end civilian vehicles to detect speeding. The authorities apply a tolerance of approximately 10% above the speed limit before imposing penalties, although this may vary depending on the device used.

Speed limits

The general speed limits on Croatian roads are as follows:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h.
• Secondary roads: 90 km/h.
• Motorways: 110 km/h.
• Motorways: 130 km/h.

For novice drivers (less than two years’ experience), the limit is 80 km/h on secondary roads, 100 km/h on motorways and 120 km/h on motorways. Vehicles with trailers have reduced limits, generally between 80 and 100 km/h.

Speed limit fines in Croatia

Speeding fines are calculated according to the severity of the offence and the type of road. The following table shows the amount of speeding fines in Croatia in Croatian kunas (HRK) and their approximate equivalent in euros (EUR), based on the exchange rate in May 2025:

More serious fines may include the withdrawal of your driving licence for up to 90 days or legal proceedings, especially if the speed limit is exceeded by more than 50 km/h in urban areas.

Parking fines in Croatian cities

In cities such as Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, parking is regulated in public parking areas marked with white, blue or yellow lines. Blue zones require payment via parking meters, mobile apps (such as PayDo) or SMS messages. The maximum parking time varies between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the area. Parking in rest areas on motorways is permitted for a maximum of two hours; exceeding this time may result in fines.

Parking in unauthorised places, such as pedestrian zones, zebra crossings or parking spaces reserved for disabled people, also carries penalties. Fines for illegal parking range from HRK 300 (GBP 40) to HRK 1,000 (GBP 133). In some cases, the vehicle may be immobilised or towed away, with additional costs.

Other traffic fines in Croatia

Croatian traffic rules are similar to those in most European countries. One of the peculiarities of Croatia is that from 1 November to 31 March, low beam headlights or daytime running lights are mandatory at all times (fine of £30-£60 for non-compliance). Other common offences include jumping a red light and failing to obey stop or give way signs (fine of HRK 1,000-2,000, ~£70-140).

Motorway tolls

Croatia has an excellent network of toll motorways, managed by companies such as Hrvatske Autoceste (HAC). Payment is made at booths when entering or exiting the motorway, and euros, kunas, or credit cards are accepted. The amounts vary depending on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle. For example, the journey from Zagreb to Split (A1) costs approximately £25 for a passenger car. There are no electronic tolls or vignettes, unlike in neighbouring countries such as Slovenia or Austria. Failure to pay tolls can result in fines of up to HRK 1,000 (~£70).

Drink driving

The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 g/l. For drivers under 24 and professional drivers, the tolerance is zero (0.0 g/l). Exceeding these limits carries the following fines:

• 0.5-1.0 g/l: Fine of 1,000-2,000 HRK (~133-265 EUR).
• Over 1.0 g/l: Fine of 5,000-15,000 HRK (~664-1,992 EUR), withdrawal of driving licence and possible detention until the end of legal proceedings.

Refusal to take a breathalyser test is punishable by fines of up to 15,000 HRK (~1,992 EUR) and criminal penalties. In addition, in the event of an accident, any presence of alcohol automatically implies the driver’s guilt, with immediate legal proceedings.

Use of mobile phones while driving

Using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free system is prohibited and punishable by a fine of 1,000 HRK (~133 EUR). This offence is one of those targeted by police checks, especially in urban areas.

Low-emission zones in Croatia

In 2025, Croatia does not have widespread low-emission zones as in other European cities. However, in Zagreb, temporary restrictions have been implemented on days of high pollution, limiting the circulation of old diesel vehicles. Drivers should pay attention to local signs and official announcements. Fines for driving in restricted areas can be as high as HRK 1,000 (~£70).

Seat belts and child restraint systems

All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts; failure to do so is punishable by fines of HRK 1,000 (~£70). Children under 150 cm tall may only travel in the front seat with an appropriate restraint system, and children under 135 cm tall must use child seats or booster seats in the rear seats; failure to do so is punishable by fines of 1,000 HRK (~133 EUR).

Payment of fines in Croatia for foreigners

Foreigners who commit traffic offences in Croatia are subject to the same penalties as residents, and fines can be sent to their home address in their country of origin thanks to EU Directive 2015/413, which facilitates the exchange of information.

Payment deadlines and methods

• Immediate payment: if a police officer issues a fine on the spot, it can be paid in cash or by card, with a 50% discount for fines under 2,000 HRK (~265 EUR).
• Later payment: if the fine is not paid on the spot (e.g. in the case of speed cameras), a notification is sent to the address of the vehicle owner. The deadline for payment is 8 days from receipt. Payment can be made at banks, post offices, or online via the websites indicated in the notification, using bank transfer or credit card.
• Rental vehicles: fines are sent to the rental company, which will charge the driver, usually with an additional administrative fee.

Appeals

To appeal a fine, drivers must submit an appeal within 8 days of receiving the notification. Appeals must be sent to the issuing authority, usually the Ministry of the Interior or the local police, following the instructions on the notification. The most common grounds for appealing a fine in Croatia are procedural errors or evidence that the vehicle was not at the place of the offence. If the appeal is rejected, the driver must pay the full fine and the case may be referred to a criminal court.

Competent authorities

The authorities responsible for traffic penalties in Croatia are:

• Traffic Police (Ministarstvo Unutarnjih Poslova): handles fines on roads and motorways.
• Municipal Police: supervises urban offences, such as illegal parking.
• Local courts: handle serious cases, such as drink driving or extreme speeding.

If in doubt, drivers can contact the Ministry of the Interior via its website (www.mup.hr) or their country’s embassy in Croatia. For emergencies, the general number is 112, and the police number is 192.